God is always at work–behind the scenes, in our hearts, and in this world that can sometimes feel so heavy. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 I […]
Since you’ve been gone
She’s been gone for four years and four months. Thanks to a GriefShare class that I took, my heart has accepted the loss–the massive loss, the huge void and the reality that my mom and I won’t have another conversation again this side of heaven. The lump in my throat comes and goes. Sometimes when […]
An unexpected gift
My mom went to be with Jesus four years ago today. If I close my eyes I can play a reel of her cooking in the kitchen when I was a little girl, driving me to piano lessons in middle school, and giving me a big hug at my high school graduation. It then jumps […]
Walking down the aisle
I ventured out to the grocery store last night after being home sick for three days. It was late. I was lacking energy. But I also needed some basics. The first time we passed each other the older woman caught my eye. After the second pass, I quietly asked God about it and had an urge […]
A Boundary-full heart
I jumped out of my car and made a beeline for the entrance. My mobile order was ready so I figured I could grab it and be back at my car in about 60 seconds. All of a sudden, she appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. “Excuse me,” she said. “Would you be open to buying […]
In the moment
I had just fallen asleep when I felt the tap on my shoulder. “Excuse me,” my seat-mate whispered. “Now my husband needs to go to the bathroom.” I was annoyed. I was seated in the aisle next to a woman in the middle seat and her hubby in the window seat. She had gotten up […]
Loving without limits
I’ve been deep in thought lately, giving intentional contemplation to the idea of “loving without limits” and what that looks like from God’s perspective. And when I say I have been thinking about it, I’ve REALLY been chewing on it because I know it’s a key in my life. And it might be in yours, […]
The wonderful place
My dad always showed up with something from home, a smile, and an optimistic greeting. “Hello, Love!” he would exclaim as he’d make a grand entrance through the door to her room. Mom would smile, sometimes barely and other times big, depending on how she was feeling. The hospital only allowed one guest per room […]
Regroup, not regret
I continue to move through my grief with intentionality. I take time to cry, to pray out loud and ask Jesus to say hi to my mom for me, and to buy and use little things that remind me of my sweet Mama. She is woven into my days and as time ticks on, it […]
Since you’ve been gone
Six months ago today, my mama left us for the beauty of heaven. I honestly don’t know if I’m processing her death in the correct way, whatever that’s supposed to look like. I reflect back on the last six months in which I have intentionally chosen to spend a lot of time bringing peace and […]
An extraordinary exchange 